Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim is asking all private television and radio stations to air more nation-building programmes, and not think only of making profits.

He said the main thrust of their programmes should be building unity, and emphasising the 1Malaysia aspirations and the concept of nationhood and independence.

"If possible, air fewer programmes which show racial and political conflicts," he said after chairing a special meeting between him and private broadcasting station officials at Angkasapuri today.

Rais said that amidst the prosperity and comfort enjoyed by Malaysian society today, many still did not understand what Malaysia was all about and know how to show gratitude to the nation.

"So, this is where the private TV and radio stations can play their role in nation building through their news broadcasts, commentaries and forums.

"This is the duty of every TV and radio station licensed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998."

Rais said his ministry would be monitoring the developments from time to time through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, including on how the broadcasting stations could reduce racial and political conflicts, which could be detrimental to the nation.

On expressions of love for the nation, Rais said, the people actually needed not be reminded by the nation's leaders each time the Merdeka (Independence) month was approaching.

However, he accepted the fact that "today's society is much influenced by other cultures that love for the nation cannot be fully felt or seen".

"As this year is the nation's 53rd anniversary of independence, we want to see change. What's the problem for building owners to buy the national flag and fly it at their premises?

"It's up to the people (to show patriotism), we cannot be reminding them all the time," he said.

- Bernama